Community Corner

Was 'Carmageddon' Overhyped?

Now that the 405 Freeway closure is behind us—what's your take on the turnout?

So-called "" appeared to go smoother than usual over the weekend, with the 405 Freeway reopening well ahead of the announced schedule.

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Since the closure, Patch readers have weighed in with a wide range of perspectives on the much-hyped construction. Below is a sampling of views expressed by some who admired the construction and others who thought too big a deal was made of it.

  • "I agree with those giving congratulations to the people of Los Angeles. This was a collective action on the part of the people, who recognized the potential for serious gridlock citywide." — wrote .
  • "Kudos to our citizens for a job well done. We did it in  1984 and now in 2011. God fobid we have THE BIG ONE will we have the wherewithal to REALLY work together and overcome big-time challenges?" — wrote .
  • "Its OPEN! OMG! The contractor must not only been penalized for every minute it would run over, but also rewarded for every minute ahead of schedule it opened! I'm sorry to see the CARtastrophe & CARmageddon go! It was some of the BEST traffic LA has seen since the 1984 Olympics!" — wrote .
  • "Carmageddan ova! City did a tremendous job scaring the bageezus out of everyone which made the closure a big success!" — .
  • "What an over-hyped bunch of nothing this was, just like the predicted traffic disaster for the 1984 Olympics that never came about. I think the local news networks were the most disappointed; they had to be hoping for a real 'Carmageddon' for all those live camera shots." — wrote .
  • "Carmageddon became because the people of Los Angeles listened and stayed local helping their merchants where they lived. Even though Anthony is calling it a failure the 1984 Olympics traffic disaster that didn't happen, that was a success, just like this weekend." — wrote .
  • "I think its really great that these workers got the Job done on time, I wanna give the men of the contruction, company that were in charge of the demolition a two thumbs up, great Job Men, Job well done getting the 405, open on time before monday rush hour, again Job well done, keep up the good work." — wrote .

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